If you are an importer or wholesaler, you probably already know that Amazon sourcing from China can be frustrating, especially if you’re new to importing and don’t have much experience with Chinese suppliers. While the majority of suppliers on Alibaba are reliable and do deliver on time, there are quite a few who sell fake products and overcharge their customers.
It might not be a problem selling your products at local markets or trade shows, but this becomes a huge issue when selling online to Amazon customers who expect genuine quality from the products they buy. There are some ways for Amazon sourcing.
What Is Amazon Sourcing?
Amazon Sourcing is a process of acquiring products and supplies from Amazon.com. It is one of the most common methods for businesses to procure goods and services online, ranking behind online purchasing and direct sales.
The benefits of using Amazon product sourcing are low cost, fast delivery, worldwide reach, and secure ordering. When selecting an Amazon supplier, it is essential to consider factors such as quality, customer service, delivery time, and price.
Quality: Quality is the essential factor when selecting an Amazon supplier. You want a supplier who will meet your quality and customer service standards.
Customer Service: Customer service is another crucial factor when selecting an Amazon supplier. You want a supplier who will respond to your questions and provide good support when needed.
Delivery Time: Delivery time is also essential when selecting an Amazon supplier. You want a supplier with products ready for delivery within the expected timeframe.
Price: Price is another crucial factor when selecting an Amazon supplier. You want a supplier who has competitive prices with good quality products.
Does Amazon Have Amazon Sourcing Policies?
Amazon is a powerhouse for online shopping, and one of the ways they’ve managed to stay ahead of the curve is by having stringent sourcing policies. Amazon doesn’t just blindly accept any products that come in for sale. They want to ensure that the items they sell are authentic and from reputable suppliers.
It means that you’ll need to do your due diligence when trying to find products to sell on Amazon, and one of the best ways to do this is by checking out their Amazon sourcing policies.
Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when sourcing products on Amazon:
- Make sure that all of the products you’re selling are from verified sellers. It means that Amazon has reviewed and approved the product before it’s allowed on the site.
- Check out Amazon’s quality guidelines. They have specific requirements for what makes a product eligible for sale on their site, so ensure that all of your products meet these requirements.
- Make sure your products are manufactured ethically and sustainably. It means avoiding practices like child labor and environmental damage.
- Be aware of Amazon’s return policies. They have strict guidelines regarding when a product has to be sold before a return can be filed.
- Make sure you have a payment-processing system in place and that there’s an Amazon account associated with your listing.
Ways For Amazon Sourcing
Use Retail Arbitrage to Source Amazon Products
Retail arbitrage is a great way to source Amazon products. You can save money on your Amazon purchases by buying items at a lower price on other retail websites. There are many different ways to do retail arbitrage, so experiment to find the method that works best for you.
One way to do retail arbitrage is to find discounted items online. Discounts vary from site to site, so check the prices before making your purchase. Once you have found something you want to buy, search for the same item on Amazon.com. You may be surprised by how much lower the Amazon price is.
Another way to do retail arbitrage is to find discontinued or limited-time items. Check out TKMaxx, Target, and Walmart retailers for these products. You may be able to find a finished item at a fraction of the price of an updated version of the same product. Limited-time products also tend to be cheaper because they are in high demand and have been marked down by the retailer as soon as they run out.
Finally, consider using seasonal sales to save on your Amazon purchases. Many retailers offer discounts during certain holiday seasons.
Sourcing Products from Online B2B Marketplaces
Products can be sourced from B2B marketplaces. Sources may include Alibaba, Aliexpress, and other sourcing sites. Currently, over a million small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and tens of thousands of large companies from various industries are on Alibaba’s online business-to-business trading platform to trade a wide range of products. Aliexpress or eBay is another option if you need a product in smaller quantities but with higher prices than what you would find through Alibaba.
Always Buy from Real Factories
If you’re always looking for deals, the best deals are always found at real factories.
Benefits of buying products from real factories:
- You can be sure of the quality of the product. You get the actual product from a genuine factory, not a replica.
- The production process is more efficient and organized, meaning your product will get to you faster.
- You’ll be supporting local businesses and creating jobs in your community.
So what are you waiting for? Start looking for products from real factories on Amazon.
Sourcing Products from Wholesale Suppliers
If you’re like most business owners, you probably purchase a lot of your products from wholesalers. Wholesale suppliers are a great way to save money on your products, and they can provide you with high-quality products at a lower cost than buying them from retail stores.
When sourcing products from wholesale suppliers, it’s essential to do your research first. It would help if you found reputable wholesalers who either sell quality products or have a good reputation for providing them. It would help if you also ensured that the wholesaler could meet your needs and specifications.
If you’re not familiar with the process of sourcing products from wholesale suppliers, there are several resources available online. For example, The Wholesaler Directory provides comprehensive information on over 1,000 wholesalers in the United States and Canada. The website also includes information on product categories and supplier pricing.
DropShipping
Amazon is an excellent source for finding dropshipping suppliers. When it comes to dropshipping, Amazon is the ultimate platform. With over two million products growing, there is a perfect chance that you can find what you are looking for on Amazon. Plus, Amazon’s simple dropship system makes it easy to start.
If you are unfamiliar with dropshipping, it is a great way to start your own business. With drop shipping, you keep 100% of the profits from your products. That means you do not have to spend money on overhead like rent or advertising. All you need is a good product and an eager customer base.
Wholesaler
Amazon is an excellent resource for sourcing products. By browsing the online store and looking for items you need to purchase, you can find suppliers that offer competitive prices and high-quality products.
One of the best things about using Amazon as a wholesaler is that the company offers a wide range of products. If you are looking to sell products on Amazon, it is essential to have a variety of goods in your inventory. This way, you can appeal to a wide range of customers. Amazon also has an extensive selection of wholesale items, so you can find what you are looking for without going through the hassle of searching for a supplier.
When using Amazon as your source for wholesale goods, the company’s policies must be kept in mind.
Manufacturers
Manufacturers are always looking for ways to improve their supply chains, and one way they can do this is by sourcing products from Amazon. Amazon has a vast selection of products and suppliers so that manufacturers can find the right product at the best price.
By using Amazon, manufacturers can save time and money on procurement. For example, if a manufacturer needs to purchase a large quantity of a product, they can use Amazon’s flexible shipping options to get the product to them quickly. Additionally, using Amazon’s seller program allows manufacturers to sell products on the site without investing in inventory or setting up a store.
Overall, Amazon is an excellent resource for manufacturers looking to improve their supply chains. By using Amazon, they can save time and money while still getting high-quality products.
Existing Marketplaces
There are several ways to source products for your business. Depending on what you’re looking for and your business size, one marketplace may be more appropriate than another.
Here are four popular marketplaces and their main features:
Amazon: Amazon is a well-known marketplace with various products and an easy-to-use search function. Many small businesses use Amazon as their primary sourcing platform because of its vast product selection, low prices, and quick delivery times.
eBay: eBay is an excellent option if you’re looking for specific products or want to sell items in bulk. You can find unique items as well as used or refurbished items. Shipping costs can be high, so consider whether selling online is right for your business before starting an auction campaign.
Alibaba: Alibaba is a Chinese marketplace specializing in manufacturing and selling Chinese-made products. Because Alibaba only accepts Chinese yuan as payment, it may not be the best option for businesses outside China. However, if you have products that fit into one of Alibaba’s categories (such as electronics or furniture), the site can be very beneficial because of its large user base.
Trade Shows
As a small business owner, one of the most important things you can do to stay ahead of the curve is to attend trade shows. Not only will these events allow you to learn about new trends and strategies, but they can also help you meet potential suppliers and partners. Here are a few tips for sourcing products at trade shows:
- Be familiar with the exhibitors’ product lines. If you’re not already familiar with their products, take the time to research them before the show. It will help you identify potential sources for your products.
- Network with other business owners. Get to know them by talking about what they’re doing, what they’re looking for, and what trade shows they might be interested in attending in the future.
- Ask the exhibitors about their sourcing policies. Many times, exhibit companies will have specific requirements that must be met when sourcing products for their displays. Make sure to ask about these policies before making any purchases.
Tips for Amazon Sourcing
When sourcing products from Amazon, the company’s policies and guidelines must be kept in mind, here are some tips to help you comply with Amazon’s guidelines:
- Always use Amazon’s search function to find the product you are looking for. It will help you avoid potential problems with duplicate or unauthorized sales.
- When searching for a product, ensure that the title and description accurately reflect what you are looking for. Avoid using words that may be trademarked or copyrighted by another company.
- When clicking on a product link, be sure to read the conditions of the sale before making a purchase. Some items may require registration or other requirements before you can purchase them.
- Always use a valid credit card number and contact information when purchasing products from Amazon. If there is an issue with your purchase, Amazon may need this information to process a return or refund.
Advantages of Amazon Sourcing
There are many reasons why businesses should consider sourcing products through Amazon. Here are five of the most important advantages:
1. Speed and Ease of Ordering: With Amazon, orders can be placed quickly and easily, making it an excellent choice for businesses that respond rapidly to customer demand.
2. Low Overhead: When using Amazon, there are little to no overhead costs associated with ordering or shipping products. It means that your business can save money by ordering products through Amazon.
3. Geographic Availability: Many Amazon products are available in various countries, making it an excellent option for businesses that need to source products from multiple countries.
4. Confidence in Quality: Many customers trust that Amazon will provide them with high-quality products, which is another reason it is a popular option for businesses.
5. Access to Huge Collections of Products: Amazon has an extensive collection of products, which makes it an excellent option for sourcing unique or hard-to-find items.
Disadvantages of Amazon Sourcing
A few disadvantages of sourcing products through Amazon should be considered before making the switch.
1. No Guarantee: There is no guarantee that the products you purchase through Amazon will be authentic and in stock. There have been cases where sellers have replaced genuine items with fakes, or refunds have been issued after customers have received things that are not what they expected.
2. High Prices: Prices on Amazon can be significantly higher than those found at other retailers. Amazon charges suppliers a commission for each sale, adding to a significant cost difference.
3. Difficult to Get in Touch: It can be challenging to get in touch with sellers who sell through Amazon. It is because their contact information is not listed on the website, and they are not always responsive to customer inquiries.
Final Thoughts
If you’re selling products on Amazon, it’s essential to ensure that your products are sourced ethically and sustainably. In this article, we’ll outline the steps you need to take to responsibly source products from suppliers worldwide. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your products are sourced responsibly or get in touch with us for the best alternatives.